Overlooked Hit Man Movies

This Week's Category Is:
Overlooked Hit Man Movies

by Kyle Darbyson

Hollywood can’t make up its mind when it comes to hit men. In some of its professional killer-themed movies, assassins enjoy mountains of cash, get to travel to exotic locales and have the privilege of bedding a bevy of beauties. But other films like Collateral and The Bourne Identity showcase the dark underbelly of the lives of professional murderers. Between these diametrically opposed views exists a killer collection of movies about hit men that explore the complex minds and lives of skilled assassins. Here are five to add to your hit list.

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The Mechanic(1972)

Charles Bronson could probably use just his mustache to beat up modern-day action stars like Vin Diesel or The Rock. Needless to say, he makes a pretty good assassin. In fact, he’s so good as a cold-blooded killer that an aspiring rookie sees him as a mentor in this hard-boiled hit man thriller from the ‘70s. Bronson’s killer is cool, detached and emotionless (hence the title). The film makes great use of Bronson's limited acting range and turns what could have been just another hackneyed B-movie into a class-A action flick.

Why you should rent it:

If you’ve never seen Bronson (or have only seen his Death Wish movies), do yourself a favor and let this ultra-cool film be your introduction. Ready yourself for a fantastic surprise ending.

The Matador(2005)

The excessive lifestyle glamorized in hit man movies obviously takes its toll on the hired gunmen, at least according to this wonderfully bizarre addition to the genre. Pierce Brosnan is a worldly assassin who is worn down by all the sex and violence in his life. A chance meeting with a meek suburbanite changes all that. Vibrant locales, crisp dialogue, and a nice mix of wit and drama, along with top-shelf performances by both Brosnan and the always-likable Kinnear, make this one of the best hit man movies to come along in a while.

Why you should rent it:

Hit men are complex, interesting people, and never before has a movie dared to probe deep into the psyche of an assassin the way this film does.

Grosse Pointe Blank(1997)

It is a tough task to turn a professional killer into a lovable underdog. This quirky action-comedy does just that, thanks in no small part to the ever-endearing John Cusack. He plays a hit man — which seems like a bad casting call, but ultimately, it works. He takes a break from his killing lifestyle and heads back home for his 10-year high-school reunion. Instead of him experiencing boring stories about other people’s kids and mortgages, his past and his professional life catch up with him and make for a highly interesting weekend.

Why you should rent it:

Watch out for a killer soundtrack — who knew that men who kill for profit have such great taste in music?

Prizzi's Honor(1985)

Most of us were too young to appreciate this super-dark ‘80s comedy from legendary director John Huston. It features Jack Nicholson at his best (which is pretty darn good) as a mob hit man who is happily attached to a beautiful yet similarly employed woman (Turner). That is, until they are assigned to kill each other. Sound familiar? It’s not exactly Mr. & Mrs. Smith. It’s more cerebral — and much more dark and brooding — than the sexy, grenade-filled modern version.

Why you should rent it:

It’s always great to watch someone at the top of their game, and Jack’s portrayal of a grinning, cigar-chomping hit man is right up there with his best work.

The Limey(1999)

When someone who kills for profit finds himself driven to kill for revenge, it isn’t going to be pretty, but it will be entertaining to watch. Such is the case with this largely unknown flick from director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic, Ocean’s 11). Terrance Stamp, one of England’s best character actors, is unreal as a hardcore member of the UK underworld who goes way outside his comfort zone to track down the man he considers responsible for the death of his daughter. Don’t worry; once he starts shooting people and breaking their arms, he feels right at home.

Why you should rent it:

Forget the handsome, happy-go-lucky assassins you see in a lot of movies; Stamp’s steely-eyed, scarred-up Wilson is as cold, emotionless and downright nasty as they come.